The influence of technology on hobbies and leisure time activities

Technology has long shifted the way the world does things and has changed consumer demand a great deal. From shopping, working and studying to leisure activities, emerging technologies are embedded in many areas of life. Even art exhibitions are integrating technology such as Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality as a way of expressing emotions or creating an all-encompassing experience. So, the physical world and the virtual world intertwine exceptionally. 

It comes as no surprise that many leisure pastimes are using various types of technologies to either enhance the experience or to cater to consumer demand, which is primarily a need for convenience. For example, if one looks at the gaming industry, exponential growth can be seen in the online sector. More and more people wish to access a website or a service rapidly and to gain instant gratification. In such a digital world, individuals are drawn to virtual experiences and emerging technologies.

This being said, here’s a look at how technology has influenced – and continues impact – hobbies and leisure time activities.

Playing video games on the go

Any gamer knows the importance of convenience and accessibility, and as such has welcomed the appearance of portable game consoles. This way, they are able to play their favourite game on the go, while commuting or travelling, without needing to bring a laptop or extensive equipment. This is a great example of how technology has influenced how people spend their free time or how they can enjoy their hobbies.

Like console games, even regular games are now more accessible. Many tech companies are looking to invest in the development of mobile game apps. Such businesses have taken inspiration from how traditional video game providers are giving users the capacity to play wherever, whenever. There is an obvious significant demand in this area.

Apart from highly interactive websites with wide-ranging game portfolios, there is a high demand for mobile apps so that players can access them from their smartphones at any time. When it comes to the Japanese industry, game operators have realised the desire of loyal and avid players to access their favourite games from their smartphones. There is no denying that smartphones have become the number one gadget used by huge numbers of individuals worldwide. Japanese people are faithful to their smartphones. Having games available on mobile is a great resource for those who are passionate about playing in their free time.

Reading without a book

Reading books on tablets is not necessarily among the latest available technologies. Such gadgets that individuals can use to download any type of book have been used for a long time now, but this is an excellent example of how technology has influenced people’s hobbies or the activities they love doing in their free time. 

There is an obvious advantage to reading a book on a tablet. Some people prefer this option to having to carry a book whenever they want to read, like on a train or when they are commuting. This is especially useful for particularly heavy books. A tablet is a sleek, easy-to-carry gadget, and one can read a book any time, not just on a day off when relaxing on the sofa.

Virtual yet immersive events

Technology has also influenced the way in which people experience art and events. In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, when many types of events were only available online, people began creating various events that only take place virtually. 

To make such an event an incredible and immersive experience, organisers and artists integrate technologies such as Virtual Reality so that an art exhibition or any other type of event can take place live, online, and can be interactive enough to create a fantastic experience that is difficult to forget. 

Plus, even physical art displays employ the use of technologies like VR or AR, to beautifully integrate both worlds, and this sector is no stranger to technology to help art enthusiasts spend their free time experiencing such events.

Creating art with drawing tablets

Whether creating art professionally or just as a hobby, one can do so digitally nowadays. With the help of a drawing or graphic tablet, individuals can learn how to draw digitally without having to purchase any art supplies like pencils or canvas. In this case, the canvas is the tablet, and the world is the artist’s oyster, meaning it’s possible to let those creative juices flow without fear of ruining the drawing or not knowing how to erase a mistake. 

Plus, if this is a hobby, it is easier to enjoy it when there’s free time. Apart from the fact that one can easily transport this tablet, so that whenever the mood strikes it’s easy to simply start making art, it is also a relaxing activity.

The editorial unit